The Federal Constitutional Court rejected a legal challenge to the solidarity tax, preserving approximately €12 billion in annual revenue for the potential Merz government. This ruling dominated morning coverage as it averted a significant budget gap that would have complicated ongoing CDU/CSU-SPD coalition negotiations.
By midday, The Atlantic published the complete chat transcript revealing Trump administration discussions about Houthi strikes, further developing the security breach scandal from previous days. Foreign Minister Baerbock unexpectedly praised aspects of Trump's policy while warning about Putin's motives.
Coalition talks progressed with reports of SPD adopting stricter migration policies similar to CDU proposals and plans to replace the Bürgergeld welfare system. Protests against Hamas in Gaza received moderate coverage.
Late evening brought Trump's dramatic announcement of 25% tariffs on all imported automobiles, immediately shifting focus to this potential economic blow for German manufacturers and prompting calls for EU retaliation.